Ninh Binh is known for scenic rice fields that are surrounded by jutting limestone crags. Dubbed as “Halong Bay in the rice fields”, this province is about 2-hour drive (91 kilometres) south of Hanoi. It is perfect for a day trip from Hanoi to visit old temples and take a leisure boat ride along the serene river.

Attractions

Tam Coc Caves and Bich Dong Pagoda
Tam Coc cave is a collection of beautiful caves hidden in the limestone hills in Hoa Lu District, 11 kilometres from Ninh Binh Town. The area around the caves has spectacular landscape of a long serene river, towering mountains, evergreen rice paddies and dotting local communities.

Two kilometres from Tam Coc Caves is Bich Dong Pagoda. Built on Ngu Nhac Mountain, the shrine is divided into three levels: Ha Pagoda (lower pagoda), Trung Pagoda (middle pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (upper pagoda). The location for the pagoda was chosen after two monks were charmed by the view of the river and the mountains. The statue of a famous Vietnamese scholar is built on top of the mountain overlooking the entire landscape of Hoa Lu City.

Tham Coc caves are accessible by car but most of visitors opt for a relaxing boat ride, which is the highlight of the trip to Ninh Binh.

Dinh and Le Temples
Dinh and Le Temples are located in Truong Yen Ha Village, 13 kilometres from Ninh Binh town. The two separate religious monuments are 500 metres away from each other.

Indeed, the two temples have similar architectural design. They only differ in size and some details – Dinh Temple is a bit bigger. Insides the temples are statues of King Dinh Tien Hoang – the founder of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom originated in the late 10th century – and his royalties. Built in the shape of a Chinese character, the temples are divided into three parts; namely Bai Duong, dedicated for the community, Thien Hoang, in honour of mandarins and Chinh Cung, a hall that houses a statue of king Dinh Tien Hoang. The entrance of the temple, called Ngo Mon, has a royal stone bed with Nghe (a mythical animal) standing on both sides.

Truong Yen Festival
Ninh Binh is also known for joyous and fun festival called Truong Yen Festival or Dinh-Le Kings Temples Festival. The event, which takes place on the 10th of the third lunar month (February), is held to commemorate the merits of King Kinh Tien Hoang who was the founder of Dai Co Viet Kingdom and King Le Dai Hanh who fought against foreign invasion.

The festival centers around Dinh and Le Temple, where most activities and ceremonies such as water processions and traditional games are performed. Hundreds of people go to the temples to pay respect to the kings by burning joss sticks. The event normally takes place for three days and ends with folk dance, a demonstration of ancient battlefield, and fireworks at the Buffalo Cave, near the Ma Yen Mountain.